Tag, You're It!

With its unrivaled ability to make an emotional connection with gift-givers, plush has long been a staple of the special occasion market. But after the big day is done, consumers and retailers alike face the dilemma of what to do with furry leftovers. Consumers seldom want to display an outdated message, and retailers either have to take a massive markdown, throw out surplus plush or invest in storage space until the occasion comes back around.

Now, however, Edison, NJ-based Gund has offered a solution. Retailers can add the company's new Valentine's Day hang tags to whichever year-round plush they choose, turning any stuffed animal into a custom special occasion design. After the holiday, simply clip the tag to make plush year-round merchandise or decor.

Retailers can even use point-of-purchase information to attach the tag to any piece of Gund plush on request, so customers can express both their sentiment and their style. If the concept takes off, Gund expects to offer similar tags for other major gifting occasions.